Introduction to Buddhism

We’re cultivating our intelligence as opposed to expanding or upgrading its contents. It’s like brightening a room by putting a higher-watt lightbulb in a lamp. Suddenly we can see everything in the room much more clearly.

— Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche

Curious about Buddhism or a path of mindfulness?

Introduction to Buddhism is a 16-week cycle of teachings on introductory and foundational Buddhist topics, exploring the basic principles of Buddhism and lay the foundation for deeper studies, including being introduced to the views of different Buddhist schools.

All are welcome!
The courses are free; donations are accepted.
Students may also attend these classes on a drop in basis.

The accompanying sourcebooks by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche are available for purchase at the Nalanda Store. It is recommended that the class readings be done prior to each class. The bookstore is generally open Wednesdays 6:15–7:00 PM, Sundays 12:00–1:00 PM, and some weekday evenings. Please check the online calendar.

2017

Buddhism 100 – The Life of the Buddha and the Spiritual Journey

October 25: “The Buddha was not a Buddhist”
November 1: “Poverty Mentality and True Freedom”
November 8: “The World of Suffering and the Human Condition”
November 15: “Taming the Monkey Mind”

Buddhism 102 – Traveling from Confusion to Original Sanity

November 22: “The Path is the Goal”
November 29: “The Play of Confusion and Sanity” (aka “The Four Truths”)
December 6: “Trips of Confusion: Working with Emotions I”
December 13: “Trips of Confusion: Working with Emotions II”No sessions on December 20th and 27th

2018

Buddhism 103 – Karma, Rebirth, and Selflessness

January 3: “The Four Seals of the Buddha’s Teaching I” –Impermanence, Suffering
January 10: “The Four Seals of the Buddha’s Teaching II” – No self, Freedom
January 17: “The Four Reminders”
January 24: “The Spiritual Friend: Connecting with Buddha’s Heart”

Buddhism 104 – The Four Foundations of Mindfulness

January 31: “The Practice of Fourfold Mindfulness and the Mindfulness of Body”
February 7: “The Mindfulness of Feelings”
February 14: “The Mindfulness of Mind”
February 21: “The Mindfulness of Phenomena”